Wonky's Book Worms

Wayne and I are in California waiting for the birth of our 12th grandchild. We flew into the Orange County airport on Friday night and have enjoyed spending time with Jeff, Amy and family. Last night we went with Jeff's family out to eat dinner and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! They are such a wonderful family and are so nice to include us in their family activities when we come to visit.

Is anyone still reading with us? Wayne and I finished the book of Jeremiah today. When Jeremiah's prophecies were all fulfilled, it's hard to believe that the people still didn't do what the Lord told them through His prophet. They were given so many opportunities to change their ways and they didn't. When false prophets gave them prophecies and they weren't fulfilled, you would think that the people would realize for sure that Jeremiah was a prophet of God and not follow the false prophets and worship their idols.


After reading these chapters, it got me thinking about my own life. Am I following my own personal "fortune tellers" and looking to media gurus or doctors of philosophy to tell me the truth rather than following what I know to be the word of God?

This week we are reading Jeremiah chapter 47 through the end of the book, Jeremiah Chapter 52. We'll also be reading Lamentations and Ezekiel chapters 1-3. (Thanks Franki)

We're eager to read all your comments about the prophet Jeremiah!

The Budding Musicians

Before dropping off all the 2010 tax information at our accountant's office yesterday, we dropped Sarah and Noah off at Steve and Anneli's house so they could visit. Noah wanted to see their new puppy and play with his cousins.

Wayne needed to purchase three instruments for the new show in Branson. He had already bought a beautiful acoustic guitar a few weeks ago, but needed a new sax and clarinet too. After researching and calling around, we stopped in at Summerhays Music in Orem where Briant Summerhays and his assistant brought Wayne many instruments and mouthpieces to try. After a couple of hours he was so excited to find his new instruments. He thinks they are the very best instruments that he has ever had in his whole life and is so excited to be playing them in the upcoming shows!

You'll have to visit Branson to hear him play his beautiful new instruments. Briant would also love a photo of Wayne playing his new saxophone to put on the manufacturer's website. If any one takes a photo of Wayne playing his new sax and wants to share it, I'm sure Briant would really appreciate your generosity.

When we stopped to pick up Sarah and Noah before heading home, we couldn't resist going in the house to see everyone for a few minutes. Paul and Aili had a lot of homework to finish before they left to participate in a family school activity that evening. I was really impressed that Paul was finishing his homework by himself, even though there was a lot of commotion. He's an excellent student. I don't remember his dad being that motivated on his own in 1st grade.

Aili started playing the violin a few months ago and we were all excited to hear her play for the first time. Her intonation is amazing! She's got the perfect ear for playing the violin.

Little sister, Elyssa, played us a tune too. So cute!

Noah couldn't miss out on the recital and jumped on the piano. It looks like they have all inherited Grandpa Osmond's love for instruments.

Crazy Wayne Imitation?

Is Molly doing a Crazy Wayne imitation? This is Alison C.'s  almost 18 month granddaughter Molly. Alison's son is teaching her to pull funny faces. Someone on Facebook suggested that Molly was doing a "Crazy Wayne" imitation. What do you think? 

Avoid Identity Theft

"Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his advice! A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company:  

1. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put 'PHOTO ID REQUIRED.'  

2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the 'For' line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.  

3. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a  PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks. You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.  

4. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards...  

Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieves ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more.   
But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:  

5. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.  

6. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).  

But here's what is perhaps most important of all: (I never even thought to do this.)   

7.  Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name.   

The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.  

By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks."  

Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, if it has been stolen:  

1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285   

2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742  

3.) Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289  

4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271   

"The Wii Fitters"

Since Wayne and I have been fighting the flu the past 2 1/2 weeks, I haven't done too much exercise except play with Noah and work around the house. Hope you are all doing better than I am.  Let us know by posting a comment.

Yesterday Wayne and I drove down to Provo so Steve could work on Wayne's teeth. It took hours and because of all the radiation Wayne had after he was operated on for brain cancer, I'm pretty sure that he's never going to be finished. I told Steve last night that the reason he became an endodontist was so Wayne could keep his teeth. If Steve didn't take such good care of Wayne he'd really have problems. What a blessing!

While Steve was working on Wayne I went over to visit with Anneli and the grandchildren. I also got acquainted with Lovely. She's a darling puppy and doesn't seem to bother my allergies at all. Santa brought William the cutest train set. I thought you'd like to see it. We have so much fun playing!

"An Apple a Day Bunch"

I'm holding at the same weight for awhile. Since Wayne and I have had the flu so long we need to get back our strength before I lose any weight. The flu shot didn't cover this one. Too bad!

I hope you are all doing great with your healthy lifestyles. Please report so we know how you're doing. Thanks.

Virl's Salad

This would be perfect to serve on St. Patrick's Day! Thanks for the idea Julie. It might also be fun to add a couple drops of green food coloring to the cream topping.

Dissolve 1 (6 oz.) package lime gelatin and 2 cups hot water

Add 1 cup tiny marshmallows and 1 cup fruit juice (drained from the fruit)

Drain and add 1 large can pineapple chunks, 2 cans mandarine oranges, 1 large can pears (diced), 1 small carton cottage cheese, 4 bananas (sliced), 6 maraschino cherries (chopped)

Chill until almost set

Whip together and add 1 cup whipping cream and 2 tablespoons sugar

Chill until serving time

(Taken from The Osmond Brothers' Mother's Cookbook by Olive D. Osmond)

Today we received so much snow! Noah loved it! Church was even canceled in my parents' ward and they rarely cancel anything in Utah for the snow.

I remember how amused I was in Branson when we were living there and it started to snow a little - just a few snowflakes. School was let out and all the buses took the children home early, stores and businesses were closed. Later I found out that Branson didn't have any snow equipment to keep the roads clear, so it made more sense.

"Wonky's Book Worms"

The word of the Lord through Jeremiah warns the people over and over what will happen to them if the people don't listen to the Lord's words and don't keep his commandments. What happens to them all depends upon their faithfulness to follow God's laws.

From the reading I realize that I must keep God's commandments or be punished. I should be repenting continually each day from not only breaking God's commandments but by not living all of God's commandments. There are sins of commission and sins of omissions. Even though I may not be breaking one of God's laws, am I neglecting to do others that he has commanded me to do? When I neglect to do what I know he wants me to do and I feel guilty for not having done something, then I know I have sinned and also need to repent.

Every morning I should pray to the Lord for instruction of what he would have me do that day. At the end of the day I should pray to the Lord to give him a summary of how I did and ask forgiveness for those things that I have done wrong or not accomplished that day that I should have done. Daily repentance is needed in order for me to progress spiritually. This privilege of repenting is made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

What have you gained from the reading this week and how can you apply what you have learned?

This week our reading assignment is Jeremiah Chapters 33 through 46.

Justin and Shane's MBA Graduation

Justin's speech inspired me so much that I thought you might all enjoy watching this clip. We're so excited for Shane and Justin! What good examples they are for all of us. We all love you guys!

"Dancing In The Rain" Shared by Doreen B.

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.

Upon exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, but that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired about her health. He told me she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late?

He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him for the last five years.

I was surprised, and asked him, "And you still go every morning, even although she doesn't know who you are?"

He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is."

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life."

True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

"Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain."

We are all getting older tomorrow may be our turn.

"The Luck of the Irish"

I'm lucky to have Irish ancestors. Family letters tell me that Sarah Boyle (O'Boyle), my great-great-great grandmother was brought from Ireland when she was two years old by an older sister and was brought up in New York City. After doing a lot of research, I haven't been able to discover very much about her, but I'm still trying. 

Sarah was born around 1802 in Dublin, Ireland. Before she married my Great-great-great grandfather, Elisha Mann, she was married first to Thaddeus Warsaw Weapar. She and Thaddeus had two children. A daughter, Catherine (Kate) Weaver, was remembered by her half-brother and my Great-great grandfather, George Alexander Mann as a very kind woman. Kate Weaver is found in a marriage record in New York City being married to Obadiah Allen Bowe on July 1, 1837.  Many immigrants changed their names when they arrived in America and this is the case of Catherine who went by Catherine Weaver not Weapar. There is a lot written about her husband, Obadiah Allen Bowe, who was a poet and editor.  I've learned a lot of information on the Internet about him and his writings which has been intriguing.

I descend from Sarah Boyle's second marriage to Elisha Mann and was really excited to find a photo online of her tombstone that is located in the Rhinebeck Association Cemetery in Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, New York.

How many of you are Irish or descend from Irish ancestors? Does anyone have any additional information about my Sarah Boyle (O'Boyle) or Boyle ancestors from Ireland or the state of New York?

"The Wii Fitters"

From my last post you can probably guess it wasn't an exercise week. You're right! It's important to get up and walk around even if you are sick. I read somewhere that every day you stay in bed all day it takes 7 days to get back to your same strength level. This yoga exercise is really hard for me. Have you tried it?

There must be something to that article I read or they wouldn't have surgery patients up and moving so soon after surgery. I've been fortunate to not have too many surgeries so far, but I had all 5 children C-section so that's enough surgeries for me. I really don't want to have any elective surgeries. I'd rather have wrinkles and sagging skin. Not that I'm against elective surgery, I think it's great if you want to have something fixed. The thought just makes me hurt. I'm also a little scared of those antibiotic resistant strains of infections. I had a dear friend pass away a few years ago after contracting one of those infections while at a hospital for another ailment. Her husband is a doctor so I know that everything possible was done to try and help her.

How are your exercise goals coming this year? I hope better than mine. For those of you who are like me - don't give up - let's just start up again today and keep going. We'd also like to hear some encouragement from those of you that have made lifestyle changes and turned them into habits!

"An Apple A Day Bunch"

Wayne and I have had the flu for the past week and a half. We're on the upswing now but still not feeling on top of things. I've lost a few pounds this week mostly as a result of not feeling like eating with my sore throat and swollen glands. Now the goal is to keep it off.

After only forgetting one time since the first of the year, I made it to Valentine's Day without sugar or soda pop. Last night I had a piece of delicious home baked apple pie and ice cream that Michelle made for us for Valentine's Day and about 5 fun size Butter Finger candy bars. Wayne gave me a beautiful Valentine card and a pack of 10 fun size candy bars.. He ate the other half. I'm impressed that he controlled himself and bought only one pack of Butter Finger bars.

I've decided to go back on the no sugar - no soda pop diet until Easter now. If you want to join us go to Laura's blog. Click Here!

I'm changing my "Power of Three Checklist" to the following:
1. No sugar, no soda pop until Easter
2. Eat no more than 1200 calories a day
3. Drink a glass of water before eating.

How are your healthy eating goals coming? Have you changed your lifestyle and developed new habits? To review the challenge of the "Power of Three Checklist" and How to Lose Weight Without Trying Click Here

"Wonky's Book Worms"

Jeremiah Chapter 1: 4-5 is proof of a premortal existence of men as individuals before we came to earth. The Lord certified to Jeremiah that his calling to a mission as a prophet unto the nations preceded his birth. Everyone is sent to earth to accomplish certain responsibilities. Have I accomplished the purposes that I have sent on earth to fulfill?

The vices in Jerusalem such as idol worship, adultery, fornication, not keeping the Sabbath day holy, forgetting the poor, etc. are so rampant in our world today. I need to stand up and not be passive or accept the many evils that are going on right now. I need to help strengthen my family, honor my parents and fight against permissiveness. If we don't, then will history repeat as in the days of Nineveh, Babylon and Sodom and Gomorrah?

I need to make sure that I am not immersed or accepting evil practices that are becoming more prevalent in our world. If I continue in evil without repenting and changing my ways, my conscience will become dull until I reach a point where all awareness of evil is lost. Can this numbness to evil account for the idol worship in Jerusalem and their eventual destruction just like many other civilizations in the past? What has history taught us in the past? Can we learn from other's mistakes or will we have to learn the hard way by learning from the consequences of our sins?

What are your comments about the reading this past week?

This week we are reading Jeremiah Chapter 19 through Chapter 32.


FOR THOSE WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS:

Jeremiah was a prophet during the reign of at least four kings of Judah: Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiachin and Zedekiah. He began his labors as a youth in approximately 627 B.C. and was the leading prophet that served with Habakkuk, Zephhaniah, Lehi and others. (See 1 Nephi 1:4 in the Book of Mormon).

Some of the prophecies of Jeremiah were referred to by Lehi and Nephi because some of them were recorded on the brass plates which Lehi and Nephi brought with them to the Americas (see 1 Nephi 5:14). This was the same time period when Lehi was preaching in Jerusalem and calling Jerusalem to repentance just like Jeremiah. The Lord warned Lehi that Jerusalem was going to be destroyed and lead his family to a promised land, which was the Americas. The Book of Mormon tells how God lead Lehi and his family from Jerusalem and about the dealings of these people on the American continent and how Jesus Christ before his resurrection appeared to these people which Christ referred to in the bible as His "other sheep."

Happy Valentine's Day!

Personalize a digital greeting

Valentine From Linda S.

Click  to view Linda's special valentine to Wayne and me. Maybe you would like to email your sweetheart or friend one on Valentine's Day. So funny and cute! We loved it! Thank you Linda for thinking of us!

What is your most memorable Valentine's Day?

Before meeting Wayne I don't remember ever giving a guy a gift - except a boutonniere for a school dance. Wayne changed that. I met Wayne the first week of January and we went on our first date a week later. We spent time together almost every day after our first date, so on Valentine's Day I decided to bake him some Valentine cupcakes. I remember delivering them to the Riviera Office and the employees in the office promising me that they would make sure that he received them. They told me that Wayne wasn't home, so I left the cupcakes there feeling confident that they would give them to him. I don't know if he ever did see them or not. I'm sure he never ate one - knowing him now. I'll be back in a minute, I'm going to go ask him.

Wayne doesn't think that he ever received the cupcakes. He knows that he would have remembered. He thinks that someone else probably just ate them. Knowing more about the situation now, he probably received so many Valentine gifts from girls that he wouldn't have noticed my cupcakes anyway.

Wayne surprised me that Valentine's Day by coming up to my apartment and leaving a huge, red heart shaped box of chocolates with one of my roommates, since I wasn't home. She promised him that she'd make sure that I received it. I remember being really excited about the gift when my roommates gave it to me and offering them some chocolates. At that time I wasn't really into chocolate, so I put the Valentine box in my bedroom, thinking I'd enjoy one or two chocolate pieces a day. When I went back to have a piece of chocolate a few days later, they were all gone. My roommate or roommates had eaten all 3 pounds of chocolates and I never tasted even one piece.

Please share with us a Valentine's Day memory?

Nephews Graduating Tomorrow

Tomorrow morning you can watch Shane and Justin Osmond graduate and receive their MBA degrees from Western Governors University live and online. Justin has also been chosen as one of the graduation speakers. Congratulations Shane and Justin! We're so excited for you both and we'll all be watching you tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Western Time.

Click here  to view the graduation live.

Sneak Preview

Today Sarah had an ultrasound taken of their baby. You can see her heartbeat and move in the video. Isn't she beautiful? It just happens to be Adam and Sarah's 6th wedding anniversary today too.

What a miracle and blessing she will be to our family. We can't wait to meet her around the first week of May.

Happy Anniversary Adam and Sarah!

We can't wait to meet Noah's little sister! Noah says his sister's name is peanut butter-jelly.

What happened this week - 40 years ago?

Forty years ago this week, One Bad Apple, recorded by the Osmonds, hit the U S charts at #1. The song lead the charts at number one for 5 straight weeks.

In 1971 The Osmonds were considered the new top group of the year by all three music magazines - Billboard, Cashbox and Record World. Both One Bad Apple and Go Away Little Girl were listed in the top ten songs for the year 1971.

The Top Five Hits 40 years ago this week were:

      1. One Bad Apple by The Osmonds

      2. Knock Three Times by Dawn

      3. Rose Garden by Lynn Anderson

      4. I Hear You Knocking by Dave Edmunds

      5. Lonely Days by The Bee Gees


Does that bring back any memories for you? Please share them with us.

Two Book Signings Scheduled

There are two book signings scheduled for Jay and Wayne to sign their books at BARNES & NOBLE Bookstores while they are in Vegas and in Tampa performing. We hope to see some of you there! Everyone always seems to have a great time getting together, purchasing a book or two and having Jay and Wayne personalize and autograph them. 

Saturday, March 5, 2011

11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Barnes & Noble

Rainbow Promenade

Las Vegas, NV 89108

702-731-1775

Friday, March 11, 2011

7:00 pm

Barnes & Noble

Carrollwood Store

11802 N. Dale Mabry Highway

Tampa, Florida 33618

813-962-6446

Lovely

"Lovely" is her name.

Don't you think that "Lovely" is a British name? Steve served a mission in England the same time that Anneli served a mission in Scotland so we all think it's the perfect name for the newest member of the family.

Anneli and the kids went to pick up "Lovely" to bring her home yesterday. "Lovely" was a Christmas gift, but she wasn't ready to leave her mommy yet. The grand-kids were so excited this weekend. All they could talk about all weekend was that after their mom got home they were going to pick up Lovely on Monday. It looks like Steve is just as excited or even more excited than the kids, since he sent the pictures of himself holding Lovely. 

Steve, Paul and Elyssa have a lot of allergies and this puppy is bred to be perfect for those that suffer with allergies. She is 3/4 Poodle and 1/4 Golden Retriever. The puppies take on the best traits of both parents and are the perfect family dog. Lovely is a miniature Goldendoodle!

The Prodigy

Bonnie H. sent this story to us which I thought you might all enjoy reading. Del looked it up on Snopes.com and it isn't a true story but is still touching.


"At the prodding of my friends I am writing this story. My name is Mildred Honor and I am a former elementary school music teacher from Des Moines, Iowa. I have always supplemented my income by teaching piano lessons - something I have done for over 30 years.

During those years I found that children have many levels of musical ability, and even though I have never had the pleasure of having a prodigy, I have taught some very talented students. However, I have also had my share of what I call 'musically challenged' pupils - one such pupil being Robby.

Robby was 11 years old when his mother (a single mom) dropped him off for his first piano lesson. I prefer that students (especially boys) begin at an earlier age, which I explained to Robby. But Robby said that it had always been his mother's dream to hear him play the piano, so I took him as a student.

Well, Robby began his piano lessons and from the beginning I thought it was a hopeless endeavor. As much as Robby tried, he lacked the sense of tone and basic rhythm needed to excel. But he dutifully reviewed his scales and some elementary piano pieces that I require all my students to learn. Over the months he tried and tried while I listened and cringed and tried to encourage him. At the end of each weekly lesson he would always say, "My mom's going to hear me play someday." But to me, it seemed hopeless, he just did not have any inborn ability.

I only knew his mother from a distance as she dropped Robby off or waited in her aged car to pick him up. She always waved and smiled, but never dropped in. Then one day Robby stopped coming for his
lessons. I thought about calling him, but assumed that because of his lack of ability he had decided to pursue something else. I was also glad that he had stopped coming - he was a bad advertisement for my teaching!


Several weeks later I mailed a flyer recital to the students' homes. To my surprise, Robby (who had received a flyer) asked me if he could be in the recital. I told him that the recital was for current pupils and that because he had dropped out, he really did not qualify. He told me that his mother had been sick and unable to take him to his piano lessons, but that he had been practicing. "Please Miss Honor, I've just got to play," he insisted. 


I don't know what led me to allow him to play in the recital - perhaps it was his insistence or maybe something inside of me saying that it would be all right. The night of the recital came and the high school gymnasium was packed with parents, relatives and friends. I put Robby last in the program, just before I was to come up and thank all the students and play a finishing piece. I thought that any damage he might do would come at the end of the program and I could always salvage his poor performance through my "curtain closer."

Well, the recital went off without a hitch, the students had been practicing and it showed. Then Robby came up on the stage. His clothes were wrinkled and his hair looked as though he had run an egg beater through it. "Why wasn't he dressed up like the other students?" I thought. 'Why didn't his mother at least make him comb his hair for this special night?"


Robby pulled out the piano bench, and I was surprised when he announced that he had chosen to play Mozart's Concerto No. 21 in C Major. I was not prepared for what I heard next. His fingers were light on the keys, they even danced nimbly on the ivories. He went from pianissimo to fortissimo, from allegro to virtuoso; his suspended chords that Mozart demands were magnificent! Never had I heard Mozart played so well by anyone his age.

After six and a half minutes he ended in a grand crescendo, and everyone was on their feet in wild applause! Overcome and in tears, I ran up on stage and put my arms around Robby in joy. "I have never heard you play like that Robby, how did you do it?"


Through the microphone Robby explained, "Well, Miss Honor .... Remember I told you that my mom was sick? Well, she actually had cancer and passed away this morning. And well ...... she was born deaf, so tonight was the first time she had ever heard me play, and I wanted to make it special."

There wasn't a dry eye in the house that evening. As the people from Social Services led Robby from the stage to be placed in to foster care, I noticed that even their eyes were red and puffy. I thought to myself then how much richer my life had been for taking Robby as my pupil.

No, I have never had a prodigy, but that night I became a prodigy ....... of Robby. He was the teacher and I was the pupil, for he had taught me the meaning of perseverance and love and believing in yourself, and may be even taking a chance on someone and you didn't know why.

Robby was killed years later in the senseless bombing of the Alfred P. Murray Federal Building in Oklahoma City in April, 1995."

"An Apple a Day Bunch"

Watching Wayne’s expression when I haven’t eaten sugar the whole cruise has been worth the whole experience. He has been so bugged that I would agree to not eat sugar until Valentine’s Day when we are on a cruise. It’s been hard resisting his cookies, brownies and ice cream but I’m too stubborn to give in. Ha! He did not like my idea of starting again after Valentine’s Day and going to Easter.  I really think he gets satisfaction from me eating.  For some reason it makes him feel better when I eat.  I need to explore that idea with him in more detail. 

Whenever I went to the buffet I would fill most of my plate with lettuce and then add some other fresh and cooked vegetables on top with a small piece of fish, chicken, turkey or pork.  For dessert I usually had fresh fruit but a couple times I tried their sugar free desserts. I also drank a lot of water and a carton of fat-free milk every day.

I can maintain my weight this way - without being hungry.  I weighed exactly the same before and after the cruise. Yeah! I also did pretty well with all three of my goals. I didn’t have any sugar or soda. I didn’t eat in front of the TV or computer. I did a couple of snacks after dinner but they weren’t crackers or pretzels. One night I had a small sandwich and another night I had two small pieces of pizza but those were days when we had eaten only one meal and I was starving.

I’m definitely going lose some weight this year. I have the most trouble in Branson so I’ve got to come up with some other plan when we’re there. Any suggestions?

How is everyone else doing? 

Chuck E. Cheese

Have any of you been to Chuck E. Cheese lately? It was really packed yesterday afternoon. Here are some photos of our fun Saturday afternoon adventure. The grandchildren were really happy and excited to see their mother when she came home this afternoon.

"Wonky's Book Worms"

Isaiah Chapters 58 and 59 can be applied to our lives. These are chapters that people in any period of time can apply to themselves because truth is Eternal.

In Isaiah Chapter 58:6-7, are listed some reasons to fast.
     1.   “It looses the bands of wickedness” or helps me overcome personal sins
     2.  “It undoes heavy burdens” or helps me gain personal strength for problems or difficult situations.
     3.  “It lets the oppressed go free” or I can fast and pray to the Lord to help others with their difficulties and bondage from sins.
    4.  “It eliminates the poor by dealing bread to the hungry.” When I fast I can give  the food or the cost of the food I would have eaten so others will not be hungry.  (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has asked all members of the Church one day a month to fast and give a minimum of the cost we would spend for 2 meals to help the poor and hungry. We will receive even greater blessings if we give more than that amount.) Could we eliminate hunger in the world if everyone was living this principle?

Some of the blessings of the fast are listed in Chapter 58: 8-12.  Fasting will give me spiritual strength and help me develop self-control.

1.     My “light” will break forth—the Spirit will attend me.

2.     I will have health.

3.     Righteousness will go before me and I’ll be an influence for good.

4.     The glory of the Lord will follow me and confirm my actions.

5.     My prayers will be answered.

6.     The Lord will guide me continually.

7.     My posterity will be blessed and they will bless me.

In Isaiah 58:13-14 it stresses that I am not to do my pleasures on the Lord’s day but what the Lord would have me do.  I need to be more conscientious about keeping the Sabbath Day holy and applying the principle of the fast.

Chapters 61- 66 Isaiah’s prophesy of Christ’s mission on earth and his second coming.  As I study and learn the events that will lead up to the Savior’s second coming in Isaiah, I can prepare myself for his return and watch them being fulfilled in our day.


THE READING FOR THIS WEEK IS JEREMIAH 5 - 18.


How are you applying the reading this past week?

"The Wii Fitters"

Yesterday afternoon we drove down to Steve's house for the weekend. Anneli met a couple of her friends from Richmond in Arizona for a short vacation. The grandchildren had a new toy - a Wii Fit and we had so much fun doing the "Just Dance Kids" while Steve finished working for the day. What great exercise and fun we had together for hours. We even talked grandpa into taking a turn.

How are your fitness goals coming? I walked a lot on the cruise and will spend the next couple of days having fun with "Just Dance Kids." It's a great way to get some aerobic exercise. Has anyone bought "Dance Party" or an adult version that they have loved - to help me decide whether to buy this one or an adult version? The kids version was hard enough for me. Ha!

Freedom

Sunset off our Balcony Leaving Miami

Leaving Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Nightlife on the Royal Promenade

Enjoying the Sun

Waverider

Children's Water Park

Arcadia Theater Where The Osmond Brothers Performed

A View of the Show From my Balcony Seat

There are 15 Floors

Ben & Jerry's 

Open 24 hours for Snacks

The Royal Promenade Mall With Shops

A Mermaid Hanging From the Ceiling

Off the shore of Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel, Mexico

The sandy beaches of Miami